Calcium D-glucarate (CDG) is a supplement form of D-glucaric acid, a natural substance produced by all mammals, including humans. Small amounts are also found in fruits and vegetables. This compound has garnered attention in alternative and complementary medicine for its potential protective effects against cancer, detoxification, liver health, hormonal regulation, and cholesterol levels.
What is Calcium D-Glucarate?
Calcium D-glucarate is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, a substance produced naturally in small amounts by mammals, including humans. Glucaric acid is also found in many fruits and vegetables with the highest concentrations to be found in oranges, apples, grapefruit, and cruciferous vegetables. It is a chemical similar to glucaric acid. Calcium D-glucarate is made by combining glucaric acid with calcium.
How Does Calcium D-Glucarate Work?
When taken orally, calcium D-glucarate is metabolized into glucaric acid. Oral supplementation of calcium-D-glucarate has been shown to inhibit beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by colonic microflora and involved in Phase II liver detoxification.
The Role of Glucuronidation
One of the ways the body gets rid of toxins is through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, toxins are packaged into water-soluble compounds called glucuronides. Being water-soluble, glucuronides can be eliminated through the feces or the urine. However, high levels of an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase can inhibit this process. This enzyme separates toxins from their conjugate bond and allows them to be reabsorbed. Oral calcium D-glucarate may help to prevent beta-glucuronide from disturbing the conjugation process. It keeps the toxins bound inside a glucuronide which is then removed from the body. Toxins are most damaging in their free form, which is why you want them to be bound (conjugated) and released from the body.
Beta-Glucuronidase Explained
Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme that is found in the gut microbiome and liver. It plays a role in the metabolism and elimination of certain substances in the body, such as drugs, hormones, and toxins.
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In the liver, beta-glucuronidase is involved in a process called glucuronidation. During this process, toxins and other substances are bound to glucuronic acid to make them more water-soluble and easier to eliminate from the body. Beta-glucuronidase can break the bond between the toxin and glucuronic acid, which allows the toxin to be reabsorbed into the body instead of being eliminated.
In the gut, beta-glucuronidase is involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, such as those found in dietary fiber. When levels of beta-glucuronidase are too high, it can lead to the reabsorption of toxins and other substances, which can contribute to various health issues.
Therefore, inhibiting beta-glucuronidase activity can be beneficial for the body’s natural detoxification processes, especially in the liver. This is where calcium D-glucarate may be helpful, as it is known to inhibit beta-glucuronidase activity and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.
Causes and Effects of High Beta-Glucuronidase
There are many factors that can cause high levels of beta-glucuronidase, including:
- Gut dysbiosis: Gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the gut microbiota, can lead to increased levels of beta-glucuronidase. When the gut microbiota is imbalanced, harmful bacteria can thrive and produce beta-glucuronidase, which can then interfere with the body’s detoxification process. This can cause a myriad of trickle-down symptoms in your hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune system.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase beta-glucuronidase levels in the body.
- Liver dysfunction: Liver dysfunction, which can be caused by factors such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, can lead to increased levels of beta-glucuronidase.
- Environment: Environmental factors, such as diet, medication use, and exposure to toxins, can also play a role in beta-glucuronidase activity.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to higher levels of beta-glucuronidase. In particular, certain genetic polymorphisms in the UGT1A gene, which is involved in the production of beta-glucuronidase, have been linked to increased beta-glucuronidase activity.
High levels of beta-glucuronidase can interfere with the body’s detoxification process by causing toxins and hormones to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream instead of being eliminated from the body. This can lead to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and increased risk of certain diseases.
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Potential Benefits of Calcium D-Glucarate
Calcium D-glucarate performs several important functions in the body, mainly related to detoxification and cellular health.
Detoxification
Calcium D-glucarate promotes glucuronidation, a vital process in which toxins and other harmful substances are conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted from the body through urine. This helps to remove carcinogens, excess hormones, and other potentially harmful compounds. By facilitating the elimination of waste products and toxins, calcium D-glucarate supports healthy liver function, helping the liver maintain its detoxification and chemical processing capacity.
Supplementation with calcium D-glucarate can calm anxiety by promoting detoxification. It helps the body detox excess hormones such as estrogen.
Hormone Balance
Calcium D-glucarate promotes estrogen balance. This effect is due to its ability to influence the metabolism and elimination of estrogens and other hormonal compounds. Calcium D-glucarate supports the glucuronidation process in the liver, where estrogens are combined with glucuronic acid to form water-soluble compounds that can be excreted by the body. These glucuronidated estrogen compounds are then excreted through urine and feces, helping to maintain balanced hormone levels. Additionally, it inhibits beta-glucuronidase activity, reducing the likelihood of conjugated estrogens being reabsorbed and recirculating in the body.
High levels of beta-glucuronidase increase the level of circulating unconjugated estrogen. This means estrogen that would have been excreted is now able to bind to more receptors. High estrogen can also cause health-related issues for males.
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Calcium D-glucarate is regarded as a key nutrient for optimizing hormonal health.
Liver Health
Calcium D-glucarate contributes to liver health by supporting detoxification processes. By facilitating the elimination of waste products and toxins, calcium D-glucarate supports healthy liver function, helping the liver maintain its detoxification and chemical processing capacity.
Cancer Protection
In recent decades, calcium D-glucarate has gained attention in alternative and complementary medicine for its potential protective effects against cancer. Preclinical studies have suggested that it may help reduce cancer risk by inhibiting an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which can break down glucuronide complexes and release potentially carcinogenic substances back into the body.
By inhibiting beta-glucuronidase, calcium D-glucarate may help prevent the increase in toxic metabolites and facilitate the elimination of estrogen by the body.
Calcium D-glucarate has been studied as a strategy to prevent certain types of cancers.
Regulation of Cholesterol Levels
Calcium D-glucarate may help reduce enterohepatic recirculation of cholesterol, which can lead to a decrease in overall cholesterol levels in the body. By inhibiting the enzyme beta-glucuronidase, calcium D-glucarate can help prevent the reabsorption of bile acids in the intestines. Bile acids are produced from cholesterol and excreted into the intestines. If not reabsorbed, the body uses more cholesterol to produce additional bile acids, which can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels in the blood.
Calcium D-glucarate may enhance the elimination of bile acids and other lipophilic substances, helping to reduce LDL cholesterol and improve the overall lipid profile. A healthy liver is crucial for cholesterol regulation, as it produces and regulates cholesterol levels in the body. By supporting detoxification and liver function, calcium D-glucarate can indirectly help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Those with high LDL cholesterol may benefit from calcium D-glucarate supplementation.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress
It may contribute to the reduction of cellular damage caused by free radicals, thereby supporting cellular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Supporting Mental Health and Mood
Studies suggest that CDG may have mood-boosting properties and may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. This may be due to its ability to calm the nervous system, as well as support the body’s natural detoxification pathways and reduce inflammation, all of which affect levels of anxiety and depression. There is a relationship between anxiety and estrogen levels. Research suggests that fluctuations in estrogen levels may contribute to the development or worsening of anxiety symptoms in some individuals. In women, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with levels typically highest during the follicular phase (the first half of the cycle) and lowest during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle). Some women may experience more severe anxiety symptoms during the luteal phase and experience relief from anxiety once estrogen levels are balanced.
Reducing Inflammation
Some studies suggest that CDG may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This, in turn, may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Boosting the Immune System
Some research has suggested that CDG may have immune-boosting properties, which can help protect the body against infections and disease.
Food Sources of Calcium D-Glucarate
Calcium D-glucarate is a food supplement derived from D-glucaric acid, a natural substance found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, apples, grapes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a good source of CDG, and also contains a variety of other beneficial nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
- Brussels sprouts: Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts are a good source of CDG, and are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Apples: Apples are a good source of CDG, particularly in the skin of the apple. Apples are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Oranges: Oranges are another good source of CDG, and are also rich in vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit is another citrus fruit that contains CDG, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Carrots: Carrots are a good source of CDG, and are also rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Berries: Some types of berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are good sources of CDG, as well as other beneficial nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.
How to Take Calcium D-Glucarate
Calcium D-glucarate is generally consumed as a food supplement. Here are some guidelines on how to take it:
- Capsules or tablets: This is the most common form.
- Powder: Sometimes available to mix with water or juice.
- Combinations: It can be found in combination with other detox products.
The recommended daily dose varies, but is commonly between 500 to 1500mg per day, divided into several doses.
For specific uses, depending on the goal (e.g., liver support), the dose may be adjusted according to the recommendation of a healthcare professional.
It can be taken with or without food, although some people prefer to take it with meals to avoid potential stomach discomfort. For maximum benefit, it is recommended to take it consistently.
There is no standard dose of calcium D-glucarate. It is usually suggested to take 200 to 500 mg, 2-3 times per day. People with high estrogen may benefit from taking as much as 1,500 to 3,000 mg per day (divided into smaller doses throughout the day). However, common dosage amounts are based on animal studies and not further researched, so it is hard to give an accurate dosage that may work for humans.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects
Calcium D-glucarate is generally considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses. It is a naturally occurring compound that is found in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables, and it is also produced by the human body.
The tolerance of calcium D-glucarate was observed to be high, and no side effects were reported in preliminary studies. However, possible side effects of calcium intake include irregular heartbeat, nausea, constipation, weakness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle pain and bone pain.
Contraindications
Calcium D-glucarate, while generally considered safe for most people, may have some contraindications and possible side effects. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. Here are some considerations and possible contraindications:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information on the safety of calcium D-glucarate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so caution is advised.
- Drug interactions: It may interact with certain medications, especially those metabolized by the liver. This includes cholesterol medications, anticoagulants, and contraceptives. It may alter the efficacy of these medications by accelerating their elimination from the body.
- Liver conditions: Although it may benefit liver function, in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, it is important to use it under medical supervision, as it could influence the metabolism of other drugs or toxins.
- Gastrointestinal side effects: Some people may experience mild side effects such as stomach discomfort, diarrhea or gas.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to this supplement. Any signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention.
Potential Interactions
Additionally, glucaric acid supplements may interact with alcohol and certain medications that target the liver, like statins, so it’s crucial to consult your licensed healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement to your routine.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Calcium D-glucarate might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
The body breaks down calcium D-glucarate to get rid of it. Alcohol might increase how fast the body gets rid of it. This might decrease the effects of calcium D-glucarate.
Kanamycin is an antibiotic. The body breaks down kanamycin to get rid of it. Calcium D-glucarate might increase how quickly the body gets rid of it. This might decrease the effects of kanamycin.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other medications that can interact with CDG. Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications to avoid potential interactions or adverse effects.